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At Westover Family Dentistry, we’re often asked why we think it is so important for our patients to come in for regular dental cleanings. Poor oral hygiene has been proven to lead to several dental and medical problems. Below, we’ve put together  7 important reasons to have regular cleanings at your dentist:

1. Several recent studies have linked gum disease with heart disease. Having a dental cleaning every 6 months unquestionably reduces strokes and heart disease.
2. Keep your teeth clean, and you will KEEP your teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of adults losing their teeth. Brushing and flossing do help, but a good dental cleaning is essential.
3. The hygienist is a key dental person to keep an eye on your dental health. In addition to doing good cleanings, she can spot tooth problems (broken fillings, cavities) before they become bigger problems.
4. Dental cleanings are usually completely covered by insurance. So, if you have insurance, take advantage of the benefits you deserve and are paying for.
5. Having a brighter, clean smile has been shown to help us both socially, and in business. Looking to get that good job? Expect to be around people? Having cleaner teeth with fresh breath is a big plus.
6. Regular cleanings prevent bad breath. Persistent bad breath has often been linked to poor oral hygiene. Regular cleanings will remove tartar, plaque, and stains that cause many of the bad odors associated with “halitosis”.
7. Last but not least. We all need to be aware that oral cancer exists all too often. The American Dental Association says that one person in the U.S. loses their life every hour to oral cancer. The well trained hygienist and the dentist are trained to spot oral lesions at their early stages. So, you may come in for “just a cleaning,” but it could save your life.

The main goal of Westover Family Dentistry is to keep the mouth clean and healthy in order to prevent serious dental problems. To achieve this goal, we recommend that patients schedule dental exams a minimum of once every six months. At these appointments, we can monitor oral health, provide soft-tissue management, and recommend any necessary cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry treatments.

For more information on preventative dentistry treatment, click here or click below to schedule an appointment today. 

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

• Hyperactivity or inattention (many children who are diagnosed with ADHD are actually not hyperactive but rather are showing the clinical symptoms of OSA).
• Crowded teeth
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping (tossing and turning or night sweats)
• Loud breathing during sleep
• Waking up at night short of breath
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
• Extreme drowsiness / hyperactivity throughout the day
• Changes in mood, misbehaviour or decline in school performance

They could have Sleep Disordered Breathing or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – a chronic condition where breathing is limited or stops periodically during sleep because soft tissue is relaxing and obstructing the airway. These periodic stops can happen as many as 20-30 times in an hour and cause a lack of oxygen to the brain, waking up your child so that they restart proper breathing. All that waking up can leave one pretty sleepy the next day – even if they don’t remember waking up!

Untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can affect school work and overall alertness as well as raise your child’s risk of serious health problems down the road. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic acid reflux
• Obesity
• and even Depression

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (ENTs) sleep disordered breathing affects approximately 12 percent of children.

Luckily, sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing is treatable. It just needs to be diagnosed. That’s where you come in: if your child has any of the above-listed symptoms, bring them to see us for a free consultation at Westover Family Dentistry.

Dentists are leading specialists in spotting Sleep Apnea / Sleep Disordered Breathing early because of our familiarity and expertise in working with the soft tissue in children’s mouths. Dr. Austin Westover makes a point of asking all parents if they’ve noticed any of these symptoms when they first consult with new patients.

If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, bring them in for a free consultation. We can help with a treatment plan and make sure your kids are sleeping soundly!

While Sleep Apnea can have very serious side effects, it is treatable. The most important thing you can do is pay attention and have your child evaluated at Westover Family Dentistry.

Having a great smile is a strong asset. Flashing those pearly whites is seen as an indication of a warm personality and can instantly attract others. A beautiful smile builds confidence and is even a factor in maintaining good health in other areas of the body. As we age, tooth deterioration often becomes a major factor in the search options for restorative treatment. If this is the case for you, you’re not alone. Many adults have lost some or all of their teeth due to a variety of causes, including tooth decay, gum disease or accidents. Dental implants are the trusted way to experience life with intact teeth again. You’ll find that at my practice, I can help you on the journey to regain the beautiful smile that’s so much a part of who you are.

Dental implants are small metal artificial tooth roots that are placed under your gums. Although implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth (bridges and dentures are other alternatives) implants can often feel the most like real teeth. I will create the best treatment plan based on your individual needs. If I do recommend implants, there are some significant benefits, including:

1) Durability
Dental implants, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime. Of course, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important.

2) Appearance
The only person who will know about your decision to pursue dental implants is you. Implants are made to look and feel just like your natural teeth.

3) Convenience
With dental implants, you don’t have to worry as you do with dentures that they might slip out of position. In addition, you won’t have to deal with any messy glue that helps hold removable dentures in place.

4) Improved Speech: If you wear dentures, you no longer need to worry about slipping teeth that might cause you to slur your words.

5) Improved Self-Image: Dental implants help restore a youthful appearance and help you feel better about yourself.

6) Improved Oral Health: Unlike tooth-supported bridges, dental implants don’t involve any anchoring to your surrounding teeth. Keeping the other teeth intact makes cleaning easier, which enhances your oral health.

For more information on the benefits of dental implants and how you can take the first step towards achieving your new smile, contact us at your earliest convenience. Take a first look at: westoverfamilydentistry.com or call 540-MyTeeth (688-3384). My team and I look forward to meeting you!